nts. They were
located on Pearl street, not far from Centre, and were more spacious
and well furnished than any in the burned tenement house.

"You go up first and tell your mother, Sam," said Paul. "She won't
know what to make of it if we go in without giving her any notice."

"All right," said Sam. "I'll be down in a jiffy."

Two minutes were sufficient for Sam to explain the situation. His
mother, a good, motherly woman, at once acknowledged the claim upon
her hospitality. She came downstairs at once, and said heartily to
Paul, whom she knew:

"Come right up, Paul. And so this is your mother. I am very glad to
see you, Mrs. Hoffman. Come right up, and I'll do all I can to make
you comfortable."

"I am afraid we shall give you trouble, Mrs. Norton," said Mrs.
Hoffman.

"Not in the least. The more the merrier, that's my motto. I haven't
got much to offer, but what there is you are very welcome to."

The room into which they were ushered was covered with a plain, coarse
carpet. The chairs were wooden, but there was a comfortable
rocking-chair, a cheap lounge, and a bookcase with a few books,
besides several prints upon the wall. Sam's father was a policeman,
while his mother was a New England woman of good common-school
education, neat and thrifty, and so, though their means were small,
she managed to make a comfortable home. Mrs. Hoffman looked around her
with pleased approval. It was pleasant to obtain even temporary refuge
in so homelike a place.

"Is this your little brother who draws such fine pictures?" asked Mrs.
Norton.

Jimmy looked pleased but mystified. How should Mrs. Norton have heard
of his pictures?

"You must draw me a picture to-night, won't you?" asked Mrs. Norton.

"I should like to, if I can have a pencil and some paper. All mine are
burned up."

"Sam will give you some from his desk. But you must be hungry."

Sam was drawn aside by his mother, and, after a whispered conference,
was dispatched to the butcher's and baker's, when he soon returned
with a supply of rolls and beefsteak, from which in due time an
appetizing meal was spread, to which all did full justice.

CHAPTER IV.

THE POLICEMAN'S HOME.

It was not till later in the evening that Mr. Norton came in. He had
been on duty all day, and to-night he was free. Though one of the
constituted guardians of the public peace, he was by no means fierce
or formidable at home, especially after he had doffed his uniform, and
pu